Tech Q&A: Snooping apps, iPad space, speedier Internet and more

Q. I'm freaked out about apps having access to everything that’s on my phone. What can I do to keep my information private?

A. Far too many apps let developers access a phone or tablet’s photos, GPS location, microphone, contacts and more. While some apps do need access, many don't. A simple flashlight or wallpaper app might be sending your personal data back to the developer, and once your data is there, who knows where it will end up? Fortunately, you can easily scan major apps like Facebook, Twitter, games, personal assistants and other services to tell you what apps have access to your personal information. Click here for a great tool to manage over-sharing apps with just one touch.

No more room on iPad

Q. I’m crying like a baby! I want to install the latest iOS update but I don’t have enough space on my iPad. Now what?

A. Look at your iPad and tell me how many of those apps you really use. I've got a trick that can help you. In iOS 8, go to Settings>> General>> Usage>> Manage Storage. For iOS 7 and earlier it's just Settings>> General>> Usage. Here you'll see a list of apps and how much space they use. This helps you make an informed decision about where to go fat-trimming. Start with the largest apps (remember that one gigabyte is 1,000 megabytes) and decide which ones you really need. If that’s not enough, fear not! Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to remove photos, music, movies, web history and more. Now, no more tears!

Sherlock Holmes would use this app

Q. Kim, I'm 82 years young, but my eyesight isn't what it used to be. I was in a restaurant the other day and the menu’s letters were so small. I tried using my iPhone's light so I could see better, but it didn't help. Is there another option for an old fogey like me? Thanks, darlin'. I love your radio show!

Q. My browser takes forever to start loading sites after I type them in. Is there anything I can do to speed this up besides upgrading to my service provider's next tier? I don't want to spend more money if I can help it.

Q. I am the person you called on your national radio show, “Facebook Drink and Poster Child.” I have a few glasses of wine and write away. Now that I admit this, how can I make sure I delete any embarrassing posts from my past?

On the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show, Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com. Kim also posts breaking tech news 24/7 at News.Komando.com.